Unexpected places to work remotely in Charlotte that aren't coffee shops
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Urban District Market in Optimist Park/NoDa area. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
If you work remotely, sometimes you just need a change of scenery to get through the workday — but that doesn't have to mean your usual coffee shop.
Why it matters: From pickleball clubs and gyms to a cigar lounge and even the mall, Charlotte has plenty of unexpected places to bring your laptop and get some work done.
Here are 11 spots worth checking out, in no particular order.
1. The Vintage — South End
The vibe: This private whiskey and cigar lounge has hand-rolled cigars, an extensive whiskey selection, cocktails and small plates.
If you go: Day passes are $10 at the door if you're not a member. You must be 21 or older to visit.
Stop by: 215 E. Worthington Ave.
2. Rally Pickleball — LoSo
The vibe: Part massive pickleball facility, part social hangout and one of my favorite working-lunch spots. Yes, there's a coffee bar, but you can also grab your laptop and work throughout the space, including at the bar.
Stop by: 101 Southside Drive.
3. Rising Tea & Alchemy — Plaza Midwood
The vibe: Tucked inside a former house behind Supperland, this tea bar serves Chinese teas and blends from local herbalists and has plenty of cozy seating.
Stop by: 2132 McClintock Road.
4. The Club — South End
The vibe: A fitness studio, coffee bar and coworking space all under one roof. The coworking space is free for Club members and Pertinacious Coffee customers.
If you go: Coworking hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
Stop by: 1200 S. Graham St.
5. Dowd YMCA — Dilworth
The vibe: You don't have to be a YMCA member to work in their recently renovated lobby. There are booths, tables and free Wi-Fi, plus an on-site Giddy Goat if you need coffee or, my go-to, an empanada.
Stop by: 400 E. Morehead St.
6. Common Market — multiple locations
The vibe: Like working from a quirky neighborhood bodega. Common Market is part deli, part convenience store and part hangout, with a casual, eclectic atmosphere. You'll find just about every drink you could want.
Stop by: Plaza Midwood: 2007 Commonwealth Ave.
- South End: 235 W. Tremont Ave.
- Oakwold: 4420-A Monroe Road.
7. Rhino Market & Deli — multiple locations
The vibe: Another neighborhood market where you can grab a sandwich and your favorite bevy, settle in with your laptop, and hang in a laidback atmosphere.
If you go: I especially like the South End location because you're steps from the Rail Trail if you want to get some steps in after working.
Stop by: South End: 1414 S. Tryon St.
- Wesley Heights: 1500 W. Morehead St.
- Uptown: 400 S. Church St.
- NoDa: 2320 N. Davidson St.
- SouthPark: 4300 Congress St.
8. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library — multiple locations
The vibe: For the days when you really need to lock in. Libraries offer free Wi-Fi, quiet places to work and study rooms at select branches. And unlike most places on this list, you don't need to buy anything to stay.
If you go: There are more than 20 library locations across Mecklenburg County. The Main Library in Uptown is currently closed for construction. Find your closest branch here.
9. Local food halls
The vibe: When you want plenty of lunch options without having to pack up your laptop and leave. Charlotte's four food halls have communal seating, a variety of vendors, and coffee if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
Stop by: Optimist Hall: 1115 N. Brevard St. The first 90 minutes of parking are free.
- Urban District Market: 2315 N. Davidson St. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus free Wi-Fi.
- The Market at 7th Street: 224 E. 7th St. Right off the light rail in Uptown. Parking can be validated for the first two hours with a purchase.
- Monarch Market: 101 N. Tryon St. A convenient Uptown option with multiple food vendors and an outdoor bar.
If you go: Laptop policies may vary by hour and location.
10. SouthPark Mall — SouthPark
The vibe: For days when you don't necessarily need to lock in but want to answer some emails, people watch and maybe get a little shopping done.
- One of my favorite spots is the seating area outside Nordstrom's eBar.
Stop by: 4400 Sharon Road.
11. Niche at Atherton Mill — South End
The vibe: For days when you'd rather work outside. This dedicated outdoor coworking area at Atherton Mill has shaded communal tables, free Wi-Fi and access to everything along the Rail Trail.
Stop by: 2400 South Blvd.